Spout and brush scraper accessory for paint cans



Oct. 11, 1955 B. A. COMPTON SPOUT AND BRUSH SCRAPER ACCESSORY FOR PAINT CANS Filed Nov. 1, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN $222 'amz'zz Q (om 02 222 Oct. 11, 1955 COMPTON 2,720,346

SPOUT AND BRUSH SCRAPER ACCESSORY FOR PAINT CANS Filed Nov. 1, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent SPOUT AND BRUSH SCRAPER ACCESSORY FOR PAINT CANS Benjamin A. Compton, Oak Park, Ill. Application November 1, 1952, Serial No. 318,300

7 Claims. (Cl. 222-570) The present invention relates to accessory devices for paint and liquid packaging cans and concerns itself more particularly with pouring spouts, paint brush scrapers, and kindred accessory implements which may be detachably applied thereto.

Where paint is packaged for consumer markets and sold in shipping containers of two to eight quart capacity, many problems regarding merchandising and distribution are involved affecting the utility and acceptability of the containers and any devices accessory thereto. For example, paint filled packages must be constructed in compact space-saving proportions so that warehousing and stock-handling may be accomplished with efficiency both in handling and storing. Accordingly, paint cans and like containers are usually built in a cylindrical walled, flat ended form having disc-like plug fitting end covers.

Filled paint cans have considerable weight so that even when sold in single unit transactions the customer is not inclined to carry his purchase with him and generally requests that such goods be delivered by carrier. In order to reduce the hazard to companion cargo, public carriers frequently establish stringent rules of package security involving minimum strength and durability requirements. Asa consequence there has developed precise structural standards and more or less arbitrary qualifications involving particular structural designs and arrangements. Among such features is the triple seal fit between the cover paint can flange. Certain carriers are known to require these cans for single unit shipments and others demand spot soldered securement of even these multiple seal covers.

In this type of package a cylindrical sheet metal housing is provided with a flat circular bottom panel to which it is made fast at its bottom edge by double seam or edge rolling. The top end of these containers is provided with a circular cover receiving flange similarly secured to the top edge of the cylindrical housing. The flange is die stamped with a series of concentric corrugations which produce a principal interim trough bounded on the inside edge with a significant annular projection.

The cover element which mates with the described flange has a conversely shaped series of annular ridge and trough formations including a projection or plug portion which is adapted to fit into the flange trough and an adjacent trough portion which is adapted to receive the inside edge projection of the flange.

This arrangement affords three concentric wiping surfaces between the plug cover and the can flange for the purpose of securing adequate frictional engagement to oppose accidental dislodgement of the plug cover which arises from shock or vibration transmitted to the can, particularly during transit.

From the customers viewpoint these security and reinforcing features have little or no value after the merchandise has been received. In fact, for the most part the multiple seal elements are annoyances to the user and his usual habits involving the paint can either as a tool or receptacle during the mixing, pouring or application of ice the paint. The flange features of the paint can reduce the size of the mouth opening and the peripheral trough formations invariably trap substantial quantities of paint usually as a result of brush dripping and the paint so caught subsequently interferes with proper fit when restoring the plug cover.

These structural features also interfere with the use and application of accessory devices and it is with these problems in mind that the present invention proposes novel features respecting detachable pouring spouts, paint brush support and paint brush scraping provisions.

A principal object of the present invention therefore is to provide an easily attached and practical plug fit pouring spout accessory affording secure and stable mounting characteristics so as to withstand torsional and other load strains to which it may become subjected, while at the same time constituting a drip barrier to thwart the collection and accumulation of paint within the flange area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pouring spout accessory for plug type paint cans having a paint brush support which may also serve as a surplus paint scraping device to facilitate the proper loading and handling of the paint brush while the can is utilized as a container during painting.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an accessory device for paint cans which is of low cost in material and manufacture so that it may be supplied to the consumer market as a gift or premium within the margin of advertising expense.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable pouring spout and paint brush scraping device notably compact in its physical characteristics so as to lend itself to be packaged as an accessory supply device with conventional paint cans and to be packaged within the established overall physical dimensions thereof.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description as well as from the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a typical paint can with the plug cover removed having applied there certain accessory apparatus embodying various features of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view with portions broken away of a paint can and accessory device resembling that of Fig. 1 which illustrates its adaptability to the functions of paint brush support and paint drainage,

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the accessory device featured in the foregoing described figures,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a plurality ofsuch devices shown in nested relationship for economic group packaging,

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a paint can with the pouring spout accessory installed shown in utility position,

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory device illustrated in Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the pouring spout attachment shown in its utility emplacement in relation to theflange ring channel portions,

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale of a commercial type of paint can and flange ring construction shown with its plug cover removed. but in close proximity thereto,

thereto shown in pouring position, and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a conventional paint.

can with plug cover in place thereon and with the acces sory device components externally secured for compactness in packaging and shipping.

A more comprehensive understanding of this invention may be had by referring to the accompanying drawings wherein a typical paint can 11 is shown as an example which conventionally is made in a one gallon size. The can includes a carrying bail having inwardly turned trunnion extremities supported in the surface attached journals 13. Such containers are customarily formed of a cylindrical vertical wall section 14 of light gauge sheet metal having a permanently secured bottom panel joined (not shown) to the cylindrical portion 14 by means of a double-seamed edge bead as at 15 (Fig. 1), while in correspondence thereto and also joined to the side wall 14 by similar head 16 is a cover receiving flange ring generally designated 17.

A flat disc cover usually made of the same light gauge sheet as the body portion of the can is adapted to be press fitted into the flange ring 17 and is given adequate rigidity by being formed with a plurality of concentric ribbed or fluted sections. In Fig. 8, it will be observed that the flange ring 17 as it extends inwardly from the double-folded sealing bead 16 comprises a narrow ledge portion as at 18 and inwardly thereof is formed into a deep channel portion including the side walls 19 and 21 and a slightly curved bottom wall portion 22. The inner extremity of the flange ring as it emerges from the wall formation 21 extends horizontally for a short distance as at 23 and is then again formed downwardly to define a shallow skirt terminal as at 24. The foregoing is an exemplary flange ring construction for paint cans especially designed to be used for shipment on regulated common carriers and is thus designed with added security measures to fulfill the requirements of carrier regulation.

In cooperation with such a ring flange there is customarily provided a so-called plug fit can cover 25, Fig. 8, which consists of a circular disc drawn to provide near its periphery an annular plug projection 26 having the side walls 27 and 28 whose wall surfaces will have frictional fitting relationship with those of walls 24 and 21, respectively, of the flange ring. Continuing beyond the wall 28 this cover article is shaped in a reversely curved fashion with an annular projecting portion 29 having another side wall 31 so designed in order to achieve wiping engagement with the inner surface of side wall 19 of the flange ring.

Accordingly this plug fit cover provides for three frictional fitting annular surfaces each independent of the other but with mutually supported frictional engagement and together provide successive passage barriers against the contingency of leakage on account of seepage, tolerance variations, and most important of all, damage during shipment.

As has been indicated generally, this triple-seal plug-fit cover arrangement possesses certain annoyances to customer or purchaser use as well as to accessory adaptation When the packaged goods are delivered to their destination. These concern themselves primarily with trapping ofpaint in the channel of the flange ring. Not only is this paint thereby lost but of more serious consequence, this trapped paint may drip into and dilute matched paint batches and dry or thicken to interfere with full seating of the plug cover.

Accordingly there is herein proposed a pouring spout accessory device generally designated 35 which may be formed out of a single piece of sheet metal, die shorn from flat stock, and formed into the cylindrical segment configuration portrayed in Figs. 3 and 6. The principal body section 36 constitutes a stubby spout portion terminating in a crescent-shaped reinforcing lip 37. Where the terminal lip and principal body portion meet on a curved line 38, there will be produced a slight compressing or shrinking effect in the metal giving to the structure ribbed reinforcement and consequent sturdiness and rigidity.

The seating arc of the spout accessory 35 is advisedly made so as to approximate or even slightly to exceed of its seating annulus. This will afford a deeper beam dimension to the arcuate spout element as well as avail of a wider holding engagement in its frictional fitting relationship within the trough 22 as best indicated in Figs. 5 and 7.

The circular edge of the spout member is rolled into a substantial piping or bead formation as at 41 of such size as to have frictional fitting relationship with the side walls 19 and 21 in the same manner as the plug portion 29 of the cover element 25. The portion which emerges from the beaded formation 41 is then preferably contoured to follow the curvature and outline of the inner flange 26 after the manner best indicated at 42 in Fig. 7. The spout metal is then doubled back as at 43, merging into the principal arcuate body section 36 and thereby obtaining further reinforcing rib effect while at the same time conforming to the contour of the flange ring. This arrangement permits the spout portion 36 to extend as a cylindrical continuation of the flange ring wall portion 24 with but a slight intervening recess as at 44 between the two parts within which but a very slight quantity of paint can collect during the execution of pouring even under repeated conditions.

When the can is thereafter returned to its erect position such slight paint quantities as may collect in the space 44 will drain back into the can and become admixed summarily as color blending or mixing is carried on.

The snug-fitting head 41 and its immediate contour curvature portions 43 and 42 serve not only to provide sturdy support to the pouring spout over a wide annular spread but equally important, there is prevented any spilling into the trough 22 of the contents such as would interfere subsequently with the proper rescaling of the plug cover.

It will be observed from Fig. 7, which indicates the pouring condition also portrayed in Fig. 9, that due to the offset relationship of curvatures 42 and 43, the principal body of the spout 36 is brought into cylindrical alignment with the wall section 24. While this correction may not prevent some of the paint or other fluid from being trapped during the pouring operation, upon righting the can such small paint accumulations will be returned to the main body before any appreciable drying or set condition can occur.

It is also to be observed that the pouring spout attachment occupies but little total or interfering space and may be left in position while the can is used during painting. The open ends 46 of the beaded section 41 may be utilized as receptacles or sockets within which to insert the ends of a shaped utility wire 47 offset as at 48 from the end portions 51 so as to extend somewhat beneath the plane of the flange ring 17.

In this position the utility wire 47 serves the purpose of a brush scraper for wiping off surplus quantities of paint each time that the brush is inserted into the can, and also as a brush rest. When desired, the bail or wire 47 may be removed by withdrawal of its portions 51 from the bead sockets. In Fig. 2 there is illustrated a paint brush 52 supported in a reposed condition with the bristles 53 thereof resting on the utility wire 47 in such a manner that paint dripping from the brush will fall directly to the main body of paint inside the can.

By flattening out the foremost end portion 37 of the pouring spout after the manner best indicated in Fig. 3, this device may also be used as a paint brush stripper for removing excess paint from the brush after dipping as in the manner best indicated by the example designated 54 in Fig. 2. Because of the already described cylindrical alignment between the portion 36 of the paint spout and the interior flange 24, the use of the paint spout as a stripper device is made practical and feasible without wastage.

Accessory devices of this class are frequently designed and featured for but one-time use and for this reason are most advantageously constructed under low cost factors so that they may be expendible with each paint can unit. With this purpose in mind it is contemplated that these accessory devices may be distributed as gift premiums with the sale of packaged paint goods. Hence, where paint cans are sold under the conditions of individual can shipment it is requisite that the accessory article be easy to ship with the can without any extraordinary weight, bulk or increase in packing dimensions.

In Fig. there has been illustrated the practicability of single paint can unit shipments with the spout and scraper accessory device securely attached in a manner which conforms with the afore-mentioned objectives. The spout 35 notwithstanding the reinforced ribbing effect of its beaded portion 41 and offset portions 42 and 43 lends itself nevertheless to a limited springable distortion so that it may encompass and lie close to the body of the paint can after the manner shown in this illustration. After being so placed it may be secured by an encircling rubber band (not illustrated) or by means of pressure adhesive tabs 56. The stripper rod 47 may be placed in the dished recess of the plug cover and also secured in place by a pressure adhesive or gummed tab 57.

Under other arrangements for distribution as where paint cans are boxed in shipping crates in multiple quantities, the pouring spout accessory devices lend themselves to be nested after the manner illustrated in Fig. 4, forming secure and stably rigid packages which if desired may be shipped separately.

From the foregoing description it is to be observed that the proposed pouring spout accessory for plug-fit paint cans and covers constitutes a device which may be economically fabricated and sold or given with various classes of paints, varnishes or similar merchandise. Constructed in accordance with the foregoing teaching, the consumer use thereof affords various utilitarian advantages both during mixing and paint application at insignificant cost. The advantages which inure from the use of this device include not only convenience features to the professional as well as to the amateur painter, but also they conserve against a wasting or loss of paint. Furthermore, by preventing wasteful collection of paint around the upper edge of the can it is more feasible to use a paint can throughout repeated or successive days without the usual annoyances involved in handling and sealing paint.

While the present invention has been explained and described with reference to variously noted features and advantages, it will be understood nevertheless that numerous changes and modifications are susceptible of being incorporated without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended to be limited by the particular language employed in the foregoing explanation nor by the illustrations in the accompanying drawing except as indicated in the hereunto appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A detachable pouring spout accessory for paint cans comprising an integral body member of sheet metal formed into a curved substantially cylindrical crescent shape, a base portion to said body member radially offset from its principal section and terminating with a beaded edge open at opposite ends and adapted to be inserted within the plug receptacle recess of a paint can flange ring, and a paint stripping element extending diametrically across said base portion and having perpendicular ends received within the openings at the opposite ends of said edging bead.

2. In combination with a plug-fit covered paint can having a flange ring with annular plug receiving channel means and concentrically inward thereof a skirting ledge, of a pouring spout accessory device, which comprises a sheet metal formed member having a crescent shaped principal spout section and a beaded edge open at both ends receivable in said channel means in wedged relationship, wire means extending between said open ends and having end sections offset downwardly, received in said open ends, said channel means clamping said beaded openings to hold said wire in place when the beaded edge is pressed into said channels, and an intermediate olfsetting ledge between said pouring spout and channel means corresponding with the width of said skirting ledge.

3. An article of manufacture comprising a principal body member die-cut from sheet metallic stock into a shallow crescent shape and curved into substantial cylindrical conformity with the contour of a paint can, a base portion to said body member including a radially offset section terminating with a rolled bead edge open at both ends and dimensioned to have frictional engagement within the plug receiving groove of a paint can flange ring and brush support means interconnecting and releasably engaging in said open ends.

4. A pouring spout attachment for plug cover paint cans including a cylindrical paint can equipped with a cover receiving flange ring, said ring having at least one annular channel, a pouring spout comprising a member stamped into a crescent-shape from sheet metal, a base section to said spout which is substantially semi-circular with respect to said channel having a fringe edge rolled to form a channel fitting bead open at both ends, a portion immediately above the bead radially offset in cylindrical alignment with the internal boundary of said flange ring and brush support means spaced from said radially offset portion.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4 in which said brush support means comprises a Wire element extending diametrically across said spout having perpendicularly bent ends adapted to be inserted into the open ends of said pouring spout.

6. A removable pouring spout and paintbrush prop for plug mover paint cans comprising a sheet metal body member die-cut into the form of a crescent and rolled into cylindrical concentricity with the curvature of a paint can flange ring, a lip extremity of said spout comprising a marginally flared and juncture creased reinforcement therewith constituting a brush wiping surface, a base por tion to said body member shaped to fill the plug fitting section of a paint can cover against collection of paint at said section and oflfset with respect to said body member so as to lie in cylindrical alignment with the internal dimensional limits of a paint can flange ring to drain paint directly back into the paint can, and a paint stripping element extending across the top of a paint can and engaging the opposite ends of said base portion in supported relation.

7. A utility pouring spout for plug cover paint cans comprising the combination with a cylindrical paint can equipped with a grooved flange ring, said ring having at least one principal annular upwardly opening cover plug receiving groove, of a pouring spout comprising a crescentshaped sheet metal formation having a base section which is substantially semi-circumferential with respect to said groove, said base section including a plug fitting beaded edge receivable in said groove having open ends and a radially offset spout portion in cylindrical alignment with the interior of said flange ring at the innermost edge of said groove, and a diametrically disposed wire element having perpendicularly bent ends adapted to be inserted into the open ends of said bead edge of the pouring spout and offset downwardly to accommodate the inner flange of said flange ring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,959,584 Hurley May 22, 1934 2,106,381 Rough Jan. 25, 1938 2,331,971 Gramp Oct. 19, 1943 2,546,040 Murray Mar. 20, 1951 2,594,858 Bowman Apr. 29, 1952 2,627,367 Bork Feb. 3, 1953 

